Root: Training camp abroad would be ideal

JOE ROOT is hoping England will stage an overseas training camp this winter to make up for the lack of cricket ahead of possible tours of Sri Lanka and India early next year.

There is huge uncertainty over when England will play Test cricket again as the rest of the cricketing world prepares to try to replicate the ECB’s successful bio-secure bubble.

But, with the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October already postponed and England’s proposed white-ball tour of South Africa in November almost certain to follow it, there will definitely be a lack of international action at least until January.

That is when England hope to play the two Tests in Sri Lanka, which were postponed when the global pandemic struck in March, before facing India in a full tour that looks certain to be switched to the United Arab Emirates.

‘It’s nice to know some form of preparation is being considered ahead of the winter tours, if they take place, to give us a really good chance of competing in sub-continental conditions,’ said Root.

‘It would be nice if we could go overseas but, if not, we will have to make the most of what is available to us. But before then there will be a lot of onus put on the players to make sure their fitness is kept up and they are ready to go.’

Jimmy Anderson, who made history at the Ageas Bowl by becoming the first seamer in Test history to reach 600 wickets, will switch to the BBC’s Test Match Special commentary box to pass judgment on England’s white-ball players in the series against Australia next month. ‘He will get stuck into my technique for sure!’ added Root.

Meanwhile, Aaron Finch insists he will miss the challenge of performing in front of passionate English crowds in the latest clash of old enemies even though fans can ‘ go over the top’. Australia’s white-ball captain was speaking at their bio- secure base in Derby after his side arrived by charter flight. They complete the men’s international summer behind closed doors by taking on Eoin Morgan’s men in three Twenty20 and three 50-over matches.

‘It’s always good to have a crowd — and the banter that particularly comes from English crowds is pretty special,’ said former Surrey batsman Finch, 33. ‘Do they go over the top sometimes? Maybe, yes. But it’s all a great thing to be a part of.

‘If you beat England over here, you have to overcome so much — and that counts for a lot. It will be different without crowds but it won’t take away from the intensity of the games at all.’